Reduce oil prices challenge by PM a gimmick – Mahfuz

Posted by SM Maulana
Monday, 16 June 2008
KUALA LUMPUR – PAS Information Chief Mahfuz Omar has found odd Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s challege to five Pakatan Rakyat states to lower the price of oil, as was promised in the respective parties’ election manifesto.

Mahfuz questioned whether the Prime Minister does not understand or just acting so regarding powers at the state and federal level.

According to him, by making the suggestion, the PM is clearly trying to fool the people especially those unaware of the states and federal constitutions.

“Abdullah must already understand that to lower the price of petrol, gas, tolls and so on, it would require federal power. Why is he then challenging the five Pakatan Rakyat states to reduce the price of oil,” he said.

Mahfuz who is also MP for Pokok Sena said if the PM wants the five state governments to lower the oil prices, is he willing to give the authority or power for the states to collect income tax.

“If the state governments can reduce oil prices, that means the state governments have the right to collect income tax,” he added.

Should Abdullah wants the Pakatan Rakyat governments to fulfill its promise to reduce the price of oil, he must resign and allow PAS to govern, said Mahfuz.